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Pakistan is a mystical land. From the beautiful
valleys in Northern areas to cosmopolitan and cultural cities to
spectacular dessert plains- Pakistan has legendary tales and folklore
stories to boast about.
Discover these legends, and intrigue yourself!
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Lake Saif ul Malook
This ‘heaven on earth’ is located in Kaghan Valley and is regarded as
one of the most fascinating sight of our country. The visitors and local
people of the valley are awestruck by the enchanting beauty and tale
associated with the place. There is a myth attached to this lake that
adds to the significance of this lake.
According to the myth, fairies on a full moon come down from heaven to
bathe here. A fairy tale called Saif ul Malook, written by the Sufi poet
Mian Muhammad Baksh, talks of the lake. It narrates the story of the
prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. A
poet and writer from Balakot, Ahmed Hussain Mujahid, wrote the story of
Saif ul Mulook depicting the local version. There is also a cave (based
on the name of the giant who pursued the prince) at the lake, with
glistening pebbles and flowing water. The cave was the hiding place of
Prince Saif and the fairy Badr when the giant was trying to find them.
Locals say that due to a miracle the giant turned into a statue while
searching for them. The cause of some torches and mobile phones not
working in the cave is still a mystery. |
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Ansoo Lake
As the name suggests, this picturesque lake is in the shape of a tear
drop. Considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, the
myth behind this natural wonder is tied to the legendary tale of Lake
Saif ul Malook. Only accessible by hiking, and situated in Kaghan
Valley, it is widely believed that the lake was created from the tears
of jealousy shed by the fairy’s demon lover, Deuo Sufaid (the white
giant.) He trapped the fairy Badr-Jamal but knew she loved the Prince
Saif ul Mulook and wanted to marry him. Thus, Ansoo lake was a result of
the Deo’s sorrow.
The lake is said to have been discovered recently by Pakistani Pilots in
1993. Hence, the myth is still widely believed to be true by many
locals. |
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Katas Raj Temple
The Katas Raj situated in the district of Punjab is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. There are many myths and legends
associated with the place- one of them surrounding the mythical pond,
around which the structure is built. As the legend goes, the pond which
has clear green water, is due to the creation of Lord Shiva’s tears.
When his wife Satti passed away, Lord Shiva cried so much that his tears
created two holy ponds- one in Katas Raj Temple and one in Ajmer, India.
Another legend suggests that the pond believed to be filled with Lord
Shiva’s tears have magical powers. Even nowadays, Hindu worshippers
perform pilgrimages to the Temple and hold the belief that by bathing in
the pond, they can seek forgiveness of their sins. |
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Crocodiles of Manghopir
Manghopir has some of the oldest Sufi shrines in Karachi where hot
sulphur springs are believed to have curative powers and many crocodiles
- believed locally to be the sacred disciples of Pir Mangho, roam
freely. Crocodile pond is the major attraction of Manghopir. Here around
a 100 crocodiles lie basking in the sun. The crocodiles have never
harmed a human. There are many interesting stories associated with the
origins of the crocodiles. One interesting story claims that these
crocodiles were actually head lice of the Pir and once irritated him so
much that he stamped his feet in anger. Sulfur springs sprung up from
the ground and the head lice changed into crocs. A more logical
explanation being that the crocodiles came from the marshy areas of the
hub delta nearby. |
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Noori Jam Tamachi
Noori Jam Tamachi is regarded as a famous tale of Prince Jam Tamachi
falling in love with the charming fisherwoman Noori. Noori makes Jam
happy with her perfect surrender and obedience which causes him to raise
her above all the other queens. Noori Jam Tamachi also appears in Shah
Jo Risalo and forms part of seven popular folk romances from Sind,
Pakistan. According to the legend, Noori was buried in the middle of
Kenjhar Lake, Pakistan. Her last resting place is visited by hundreds of
tourists daily.
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